Cisco Charitable Foundation Trust Bursary 2025 – Fund Your Future in Tech & Engineering
Cisco Charitable Foundation Trust Bursary 2025 – Fund Your Future in Tech & Engineering
If you’re a South African student from a disadvantaged background, passionate about technology, engineering, or computer science, the Cisco Charitable Foundation Trust Bursary could be your gateway to a world-class education and a meaningful tech career.
This bursary is designed to support students who show academic promise, financial need, and a commitment to growing South Africa’s digital and innovation economy.
About the Cisco Charitable Foundation Trust
Cisco Systems, a global leader in networking and IT, established the Cisco Charitable Foundation Trust (CCFT) to support social impact and education initiatives in South Africa. One of its flagship projects is the bursary programme, which helps talented, financially needy students pursue STEM-related degrees at accredited universities.
The goal is to empower underrepresented youth to succeed in South Africa’s growing digital economy and to nurture future tech leaders who can drive innovation and inclusion.
Fields of Study Funded
The bursary supports students in undergraduate or Honours degrees in the following areas:
Computer Science
Information Technology (IT)
Computer Engineering
Software Engineering
Electrical Engineering
Electronic Engineering
Data Science
Information Systems
Cybersecurity
STEM-related disciplines linked to digital transformation
Degrees must be pursued at public South African universities (no private colleges).
What the Cisco Bursary Covers
The Cisco bursary is a comprehensive, full-cost bursary. It typically covers:
Full tuition fees
Accommodation
Meals
Prescribed textbooks
Stipend for living expenses
Laptop and internet access
Mentorship & soft skills training
Work readiness support
Internship and graduate programme opportunities
✅ Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must meet the following requirements:
Be a South African citizen.
Be Black (African, Coloured, or Indian) as defined by the B-BBEE Act.
Demonstrate financial need (combined family income under R600,000/year).
Be accepted or registered at a public South African university.
Be pursuing a qualifying undergraduate or Honours degree in a relevant field.
Have strong academic performance:
Matric students: Minimum 65% in core subjects like Maths, Science, English.
University students: Minimum 60% average in current year.
Be between 18–27 years old.
Submit a complete application with supporting documents.
Required Documents
Certified copy of South African ID
Matric certificate or latest academic results
Proof of university registration or admission letter
Parent/guardian income documents or affidavit
Recent CV and a motivational letter
Reference letter (optional but beneficial)
Key Dates
Applications Open: August 2025
Application Deadline: 31 October 2025
Shortlisting & Interviews: November–December 202
Final Selections: January 2026
Deadlines may vary, so always check the official site or partner portals for updates.
How to Apply for the Cisco Bursary
Visit the official Cisco Charitable Foundation Trust bursary partner page (e.g. managed via StudyTrust):
https://studytrust.org.zaRegister and complete the online application form.
Upload all required documents (PDF, clear, and certified).
Submit before the closing date and keep a copy for your records.
Pro Tips for Success
Start early: Gather documents ahead of time and ensure they are certified.
Write a motivational letter that highlights your passion for tech, your career goals, and how the bursary will make a difference.
Highlight extracurriculars like coding, robotics, or volunteering.
Make sure your grades meet the minimum threshold.
Submit a clean, professional-looking application.
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Beyond Funding – Career Pathways
Successful Cisco bursary recipients may benefit from:
Internships and work placements at Cisco or its partners
Access to the Cisco Networking Academy
Mentorship from industry professionals
Soft skills and leadership training
Fast-track entry into graduate employment pipelines
Contact Details
For the latest application instructions and announcements:
https://studytrust.org.za
Email: apply@studytrust.org.za
Tel: 011 403 1632
Make sure to check the StudyTrust bursary platform, as they administer Cisco’s bursary programme.
Final Thoughts
The Cisco Charitable Foundation Trust Bursary 2025 is one of the most impactful, full-cost bursaries available to South African students pursuing tech careers. It combines academic support with real-world opportunities in one of the world’s most respected technology companies.
If you’re ready to build a future in engineering, IT, or software development — this is your chance.
Apply today. Innovate tomorrow.
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